Royals on Radio Etc

Royals Merch 5: Non Affiliated Handmade Merch

2012-01-26T18:30:00.000-06:00

I think Fydor Dostoyevsky said it best with his hit novel Crime and Punishment:

"At the beginning of July, during a spell of exceptionally hot weather, towards evening....."

Not really sure what that has to do with much of anything really, other then where will the Royals be in the beginning of July ? I mean with the Tigers addition of big Price Fielder it's going to be that much harder to compete in the AL Central. But nine years wow seems like a long contract for such an, um, rather big guy.

So with money and length running through my mind I ended up looking on the craft site Etsy and found some, well, uh, rather interesting Kc Royals stuff. And therefore I must present you.....

Royals Merch 5: Non Affiliated Handmade Merch

Well first off we have this lovely Royals flower hair piece that would lovely on just about everyone. I mean how could you not look great in it ? With this your face would look as Sunflower.

Yours for $6.99 by AlexaRayesCollection

Here we have another cute little thing, a logo magnet. Face it most of our fridges are either covered in a cupons and magnets of our insurance agents and such or your kids art work. So why not having something that is cozy yet suave.

Well you can for only $2.50 from AuntCCcreations

In keeping with the current trend we have an awesome hat for that little person in your life. Although the listing says you can get adult sizes made. It looks great but no word on how well it'll protect against a fastball to the head....

Yours for the mere price of $ 25.95 from thebabykeeper

Royals baseball, Winnie The Pooh, and your name.What is do you need in life ?

Yours for only $7 from TeamsandToons

How often are you going to get married ? I mean surely your not planning on getting married 7 or 8 times, and if you are no one is going to really going to care after # 3 or 4. So hopefully you'll listen to me and only get married once, and therefore it needs to be unforgettable. And alas Royals garters. I mean what guy isn't going to try and catch that ? So make your wedding one of a kind with this.

$30 from TheArtofSports

____________________________________________________________

Okay I know what your thinking, usually these Royals Merch series I do have some sort of crazy thing at the end. And why should this be any different ?

So here you go guys............

Bam !

Her and his G-Strings. Lined for comfort even. (Or so it says)

So yeah since I know you're dying to get them sent your way here's the links.

Hers:$ 7.99

His: $8.99

From pmtresurechest.

~~~~~~~
Also don't forget to vote in the Ray W Awards you've got 5 more days.
Part 1 and 2. Only takes a minute.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7CNDBT
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W259J57

2011 Ray W Nominees

2012-01-16T17:14:00.001-06:00

I hope all of you in the Midwest have been enjoying the beautiful day today, and maybe even you got off today for Martin Luther King Jr day. As promised here is the nominees for the 2011 Ray W awards as chosen by a group of world famous Royals bloggers.
Here is where you help decide the winners, just comment or email me with your first (3 points), second (2 points), and third place (1 point) choices for each category.
Voting closes at the end of January, be sure to let everyone know. :)
Thanks, and good luck !

EDIT: Easier way to just put a first place vote:

(Part 1 and 2)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7CNDBT
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W259J57

Best Royals Blog
Rany on the Royals
Kings of Kauffman
Royals Authority
Pine Tar Press

Best New Royals Blog
Pinetarpress.com
KcLongball

Best Royals Twitter(er)
PCBearcat
FakenedYost
MinnesotaRoyal
Kevin_Agee
devil_fingers

Best Royals Relief Pitcher
Holland
Soria
Coleman

The IRTGFNORRP
Matt Treanor
Chris Getz
Mitch Maier

Best Royals Board
Royals Review
Royals Corner
Royals.com board

Best Royals Sportswriter:
Bob Dutton
Sam Mellinger
Rany Jazayerli

Best Royals Prospect Blog:
Pinetarpress.com
omahabaseball360.com
Kc Pipeline

The Overall Best Royals Site
Royals Review
Royals.com
Kc Star
Royals Authority
Pine Tar Press

Best Restaurant Chain
Chipolte
Houlihans
Red Lobster
Applebees

Best Royals Executive or Non Player
JJ Picolo
Dayton Moore
Mike McCartney
Kevin Seitzer

Royals Prospect of The Year
Sal Perez
Jake Odorizzi
Alex Herrera
Cheslor Cuthbert

Best Kc Radio Personality
Danny Parkins
Nick Wright
Josh Klingler
Bob Fescoe

Best Soda
Diet Dr Pepper
Dr.Pepper
Pepsi
Coke

Special Achievement Award* Vote for whoever you feel like
Matt Treanor for taking some amazing hits behind home and spending several months in AA when he didn’t have to
-Or-
Billy Butler for getting the best nickname in recent Royals history, "Country Breakfast"

Best Royals on Radio Affiliate
610 AM Kc
680 KFEQ St.Joe,Mo
1480 KLMS Lincoln, NE

Attendence, and whtat Underground Music has to do with it

2012-01-16T00:27:00.001-06:00

On this date (January 15th) 3 years ago I had a post about what the Royals Radio Network stations were "jamming" (or lack there of) when the Royals games weren't on. And well not a whole lot has changed in 3 years I mean we now have a "Top 40 pop" and "variety" stations but where are the underground and scene radio stations ? I mean the numbers don't lie, Kansas City was 27th in total attendance last year....

But on the other side of that spectrum the Phillies and Yankees were # 1 and 2 in attendence. And you have to ask yourself, "Self why is this ?"

To which your answer was maybe: "They are both Winners"

Well I'm sure that your inital thought was because they are both perinial winners.

Whyt'd I even ask you that ?

But because that is what you were thinking,

You are mistaken......

See New York and Philly are both huge in the underground music scene, obviously popular with there fans. Okay maybe not so much in New York as they are more gangsta.....

But for sure for the Phillies whom have a huge fan in JB Brubaker lead guitarist for Metalcore powerhouse August Burns Red.

JB laying down the killer riffs

So yeah it's all about reaching the underground kids and getting them hooked on Kc Royals baseball.
Because let's face it the current formula isn't working as great as it could be.
(Still I'm sure we'll outdraw the Pirates in 2012, want to bet on it CH ?)

So Mr. GM Dayton sir, if your reading this let's get a Underground Day at the K where we can get all the punks, goths, scene, and hardcore kids to the K and get them addicted. Hook them the mouth and reel'em in like the catch of the day. Because let's face it the best we have now is:

A: Garth Brooks whom my grandpa says "screams to much"

B: Ke$ha dating Aaron Crow which I have no clue if they are still together or if she even still has a career.

or even

C. Some WWE wrestling personality

So yeah... can someone please tell me how that relationship is going ? ET won't they are to busy trying to tell me about the possible Tim Tebow - Katy Perry (ex-Brand) thing her folks are supposedly pushing.

So in closing I think it's obvious the Royals NEED a bigger presence in the underground music of Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, Iowa, Oklahoma, Wyoming, and South Dakota.

So, at the very least, the RRN needs to find a underground style radio station or something.

Because let's face it, we're going to have a fairly good team and those seats need to be filled.

Heck maybe even a tattoo or piercing night at the K would work.........

(End)

PS. I know I said I'd get the Ray W Award nominees up but I got busy geez... I'll get them up soon.

Repeat.

2012-01-12T13:13:00.001-06:00

Okay, same broken record. Or at least scratched, like my "Best Of Leon", Leon Russell album.You know were it keeps skipping back and forth without letting you know whats happening. And why did it have to be on the song Roll Away The Stone ?
I mean you guys know by now, how I go through these long droughts without posting and always come back with a lame," I was about to call it quits because of blah, blah, blah." Posts and this is no different.
BUT, it's still a fairly okay read.
And frankly here of late it seems like the Royals almost don't want me as a fan !
I mean the last time I was at the K, I forgot a pen for keeping score so I asked if I could have a pencil but of course they didn't have any so I had to buy a $5 pen which broke as soon as I got home.
See:

It's been setting on my desk like that all winter collecting dust, making me question why if I would ever post again.<--- (See I told you I was going to whine and moan)

But then came the news that the Royals Caravan would be back for 2012 ! But is it anywhere near California, Mo ? NOT AT ALL. No Jefferson City, no Columbia, nope.
But hey they'll be in Springfield ! Checking out the Cardinals AA facilitates no doubt. I mean how low is that ?
And besides that when you google "2012 Royals Caravan" the first site that pops up is to build a 2012 Dodge Caravan. So I did....

What the Royals Caravan drives around when ignoring Mid-Mo

But hey at least it's not all been bad since my last post (only God knows when that was), we now have Jose Mijares, Jonathan Sanchez, and I've got to try and remember how to spell Yuniesky Betancourt again !
So it's all good....

Well at least that's what I thought until this morning on my Facebook feed I read:

Royals introduce Bruce Chen Joke of the Day promotion

Club invites fans to submit jokes for CrownVision feature

And that had to be responded to right ? I mean first I get igonred for the Blog Your Way to the K promotion (never letting that one go) and now they want me to let Bruce use MY original stand up comedy ? For free ? Really ? I mean love isn't a one way street. I can't keep giving it out without getting some love or at least wins, back.
But maybe for Mr.Chen......
Knock, knock....

In closing I just want to say that I'll always be a Royals fan unless they do something EXTREMELY wrong & dumb, just like I'll always be a Raiders fan.
But still I had to ask myself, why keep this blog when there are so, so many better ones ? And the answer is fairly simple. Unlike everyone else I don't want to be the next Dutton, or Mellinger, or even *:gasp:* Posnanski. I just want to be (as far as I know) the only Royals blogger with a lip ring. I just want to haunt the internet my opinion, and the occasional funny post or interview. Without really caring if it looks like a 12 year old wrote it.
So tomorrow I'll post the nomines for the 2011 Ray W awards, be sure to check it out and help decide the outcome. Spring Training and the best team the Royals have had in a long while is just around the corner...

Two Cents whore

2011-11-07T17:07:00.000-06:00

Okay sorry couldn't help the title thought maybe it could get me some more readers like when I twitted it about a band and got like 5 followers trying to sell me Viagra, and sex toys. So I thought why not put it as the title ya know ? Whats the worst that could happen ? Okay yeah I thought about that one to but it's to late now you're already reading the post so here you go:

First Cent:
Well I guess the big news today is that we've acquired SP Jonathan Sanchez from the Giants for Melky Cabrera. Not really a big move in the grand scheme of things. They are both free agents after next year and the Royals desperately need pitching and already have Jarrod Dyson to play Centerfield (and Lorenzo Cain but you know whatever).So it's really a pretty great trade for the Royals, Melk had a great year but will he be that good ever again ? Who knows. Shancez had a bad year last year with a BB/9 of 5.9 showing why he wasn't acquired by the Twins. But on the reverse of that coin he does get a lot of strikeouts but still he was pretty bad. Will he be that bad and injury plagued again in 2012 ? I don't think so. But who knows. Both of these guys are capable of having great years in 2012 but one thing remains, Shancez is going to help, but I'd still love another guy or three. But hey we did get sexy AA pitcher Ryan Verdugo.


Future Fan Favorite Ryan Verdugo

Second Cent:

In other far less appealing news the Royals are reported to be selling the naming rights to Kauffman Stadium. Sure $3-6m a year would be a nice piece of pie in the owners wallet. Where odds are it might stay forever. But seriously the team hasn't been in the playoffs for how long ? And now we want to change the name from Royals/Kauffman to I don't know F.U. Bank Field or whatever the heck it is ? I don't... know if they do, heck,... that could be the end for me, for real.

Bonus: Went to the Chiefs game yesterday, and man is it just me or is Todd Haley worse then Trey Hillman ? Geez folks.....

Farewell To Gibby and the Legendary Bob McClure

2011-09-30T14:34:00.001-05:00

So the Royals have parted ways with Pitching Coach Bob McClure and Bench Coach John Gibbons.
After 3 years John was a staple of the Royals bench and hangover from a drunken night out on the Trey.
McClure, well Bob was the Royals Pitching Coach forever. A staple of Kc for 6 years. People would come out to watch a 90+ loss team night after night just hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Bob McClure. After all he did for Kc only to be let go.

And now with the addition of former Braves Bench Chino Cadahia, talk around town is maybe a former Braves pitching coach might end up in Kc, but enough about that.

What we should really be asking ourselves is what are Bob and John going to do in this rough economy ? I mean you can't just go out and get a job !
So I've decided to help, it's the absolute least I could do.

Bob McClure: ......................

Substitute for DJ Lance of Yo Gabba Gabba !

And

John Gibbons: .....................

Watch out ICarly fans because Gibby is replacing Gibby.

Best luck to both guys in their future endeavors unless of course they face the Royals

Sorry about the edits I could do better just didn't feel like it.

Blogin' Blase

2011-09-27T22:22:00.000-05:00

Say what you will but I've became a fairly calloused fan. Of course that comes with the territory of being a Royals fan the past X amount of years and maybe even it's because I'm just a more calloused person then I was in 2008. (it's true) But more then I want to see the Royals win tomorrow I genuinely want to see the Twins lose 100 games. I just feel like it's wrong in a way to want that because there are some great Twins fans out there but darn it they should feel how it feels to lose 100. And let's face it the Twins are way to snoody.

This season has came and passed without much posting from me but the great news is the Royals for the first time in who knows how long have an infield made (almost) entirely of rookies who are also very capable ballplayers. Not the usual lot of rookies who are all AAAA players but guys with All Star potential.

Also while I'm at it I take back what I said earlier in the year about Jeff Francoeur, he came to Kc played his guts out took us home and made me actually kind of like him.

Finally the Royals traded Kila Ka'aihue to the A's for pitcher Ethan Hollingsworth. Kila 's DFA sent the Royals Yahoo board a fire with talk about whether Kila was ever a top prospect and such. Bottom line is Kila never got his shot in Kc that he should have. At least not for three years, but when he did get his shot he did no better then Calvin Pickering. So overall it's just another minor league trade.

Finally a Shawnee Mission West High School teacher will appear in court on sex charges. Does that have anything to do with the Royals ? No. It has absolutely nothing to do with the Royals, I was just checking on the Star for Royals news and thought I'd make my blogging return a little racy.

7-19

2011-09-17T16:36:00.000-05:00

Hey guys it"s been forever. I know. I've really missed a lot of baseball and Royals coverage. But on July 19th (2 days after my last post) my dad was injured and spent 21 days in ICU before heading to rehab we're he's still at (He's paralyzed from the waist down) . So I just haven't had the time nor energy.
Still the Royals are having a great September as always !
So anyway this Sunday I'll be at the K so if you want to look me up I'd love to talk Royals with you, just send me an email.

As for the future of RoRetc it's not to certain but still we're in better shape then the Big 12......

As always thanks for reading,
Ray W

Updating a broken Record.

2011-07-17T17:54:00.000-05:00

Yes I still care, yes I still watch and listen. No I don't have anything important to say right now.
What could I say ? It's the same thing over and over and over again, so for now I've got nothing much to say.
BUT !
As the trade deadline gets nearer and nearer, there is absolutely no doubt whatsoever that will change.
Once again sorry for the lack of posts, I really am.

I mean I got 250 business cards with this blog address on them !
So rest assured I'm not going away anytime soon.
But for now I'll silently lurk, smirk and make faces at Kyle Davies......

Losing Streaks Are Like....

2011-06-22T23:11:00.000-05:00

Losing streaks are like this......

(Man shows off his Royal's Baseball Pride[MSN])

Horrible to look at, smelly, overall disturbing and setting next to you on your 3 hour flight....

But not to worry.

To much.

Tomorrow marks a new day, maybe a last chance for Danny Duffy to prove he should stay in the Majors.

And besides your use to losing streaks by now, I mean you ARE a Royals fan right ?

You are use to losing streaks like Trey Hillman, Ned Yost, and Jeff Foxworthy are use to attending Bible studies.

But don't fret, comedian Jeff Foxworthy has this to say:

"It's exciting," he said. "This team's a year or two away from being one of the coolest teams to watch in baseball."

So if you didn't believe Tony Pena when he said...

If you don't believe baseball gurus when they say it....

Don't you dare laugh when a professional comedian says it !

Win free Royals Tickets

2011-06-22T16:40:00.000-05:00

Well I've got some nice little giveaway news to pass on to you the reader, courtesy of our friends at StorageMart of Kansas City:

_________________________________

T-shirts, food, drinks, tickets whatever it is, who doesn't like giveaways? StorageMart of Kansas City is giving away tickets to see the Royals througout the last three months of the season. The great thing about this giveaway is how simple it is to win.

Simply visit the StorageMart Kansas City Facebook page, Like It, and post who you think will win and your registered. A winner will be chosen from those who posted. It is that simple!

Here are the dates and opponents of the tickets StorageMart will be giving away. They will soon be giving opening up for the July 10th giveaway.

July 10, 2011 Royals v Detroit Tigers

July 24, 2011 vs. Tampa Bay Rays

August 7, 2011 vs. Detroit Tigers

August 21, 2011 vs. Boston Red Sox

September 4, 2011 vs. Cleveland Indians

September 18, 2011 vs. Chicago White Sox

Let's face it, going to a game has never been as expensive as it is now. Take advantage of this giveaway and lower the price of seeing America's Past Time.

____________________________

And stuff is always better when it's free anyway, so I got to thinking while I was doing this post that I'd Google: "Kc Royals halter top giveaway". And wouldn'tcha-know it, almost ever image came back to Royals Review. Of course that's really no shock.
And before you get mad at me, just know that I'm only doing this for you the reader, I myself have already entered.
Also be sure to check out Royals Merch: 4, the best one yet. Plus you will not suffer disjointedness.* And while there, you'll see a hilarious item. An item mind you, that after you've won these free tickets you'll be able to buy a couple of....

*-Results not guaranteed, some may suffer rare disjointedness

Royals Merch 4: The Journey

2011-06-21T10:26:00.000-05:00

So we start out the Royals Merch 4 with a journey, to find ourselves the perfect thing to buy. And let me tell you it's going to be quite a trip, I mean since the Royal wedding it keeps getting harder to make these but alas it's time to start....

On your journey you are bound to get thirsty. It's a long trip and water is not cheap. Therefore a sippy cup is by far your best choice. Do you really want to accidentally tip your cup over losing everything, forcing you die of thirst in the middle of our trip ?

$12.95 gets you two of em

Your also going to need shoes, what you wanted to make this journey barefoot ? No. That's be just to stupid.

Put on your thong already, er flipflop....

$19.95 *

And of course you'll need these bad boys to go along with your sandals, gotta show of that summer fashion.

$9.95 for a pair

Finally the backpack. Maybe it doesn't talk, maybe if you sing Backpack Backpack to it nothing's going to happen. Not my probable it's yours. Besides you probable don't even speak Spanish do you ? No wonder Jose Guillen hated Kansas City.... Oh well let's get started....

$24.95 *

Psych ! Gonna need a beach towel in case we end up at the beach. I mean your never get a girl if you show up with no beach towel or worse....

Trust me I'm your wingman here !

$18.95 *

PART 2

The Journey

_______________________________________________________________

The first creature we meet is this delightful thing, we decide not to eat him because he looks to much like Al Cowens so we go to pay the $19.99 but find out he's OUT OF STOCK.

Next we encounter Kansas City Royals dancing musical player. Coupled with bad looks and bad reviews it chases us into the mountains.

$29.99 *

Ounce there we find a restaurnt and decide to get some toast. Luckly we still have the water from earlier so we're in good shape. Not sure why we bought a salt/peper shaker and a toaster for ourselves though.

$21.99 S/P

$ 39.99 Toaster

Next we run into the helpful old gnome lady and her Wizard husband who lead us through the garden to the great lightswitch.

$29.99 Each

We flip the decorative switch , of which, you need like 15 for your whole house.

On Sale $7.99 *

So now the neon light shines brightly and our journey is all but complete.

$439.99 *

And now I need these because I'm really going to miss you, and I might not ever see you again.

Man I'm an emotional wreck.

$2.95 *

PART 3

WHAT WE CAME TO SEE

_________________________________________________

The Magical Dino lets us inside the shop we've journeyed so far to see.

With it's:

Animated body movements
Flashing lights
Upbeat disco music

It serves as a fine ending to our splendid trip together.

$14.95 *

And there it is what you brought me all this way to help you buy....

Erotic art ? For real we came all this way for this ?

You perv !

I can see I've wasted my time.

But hey maybe you out there somewhere reading this haven't wasted yours.

You to can buy this, this, this thing....

Only $5.95 here at the end of our trip........

EHH

2011-06-19T23:25:00.001-05:00

Sometimes you've got to wonder about me I can sense it in my veins like a part of the force. And surprisingly even though I'm still a jerk for not posting I've abused myself by still tuning into the games. But enough about me let's get to the bizarre facts that you might have missed with me being gone....

Contrary to popular belief Tim Collins has not pitched in 70 games yet but only a mere 35. Can you believe that One ? Seems like he's been in just about every game.

The teams unite for Joplin patch is red because the official Missouri state bird is the Bluebird and Joplin is geographically closer to Kansas City then St.Louis.

The ghost of Zack Grienke still haunts the Royals.com shop and is said to play basketball, with the long gone alternate black hat of the mid 2000's.*

Wilson Betemit once wrestled in the WWE and had a flashback, thus accidentally injuring Albert.

So yeah as you can read it's been a thrill of a season but I shalt not give in. Hopefully in the near future I'll be able to get some interviews and stuff you'll actually care to read. But for now if I go on another post hiatus you can always follow me on Twitter or friend me on Facebook (be sure to tell me your a Royals fan).
Tell next time my pals, go Royals !

______
* - I liked that hat it was cool and modern just like the players who wore it.

FSN Kc: A Tim Collins Special

2011-05-27T22:36:00.000-05:00

Tiny Tim

2011-05-22T17:56:00.000-05:00

A Poemish thingamijigger

Tiny Tim

Obviously Tim Collins has forgotten how to throw a freakin strike.

Watch my twitter feed explode.

Damn

Angel Campos is an ass.

And I'm not in a good mood, seriously that game has really ticked me off.....

Eh I'll get over it, and O'Sullivan will find a buffet.

Life keeps moving on.

Catching up

2011-05-12T18:00:00.001-05:00

Well winning makes just about everything better. Face it being 19-17 and only 4.5 GB in the Centreal and 2 GB in the wildcard on May 12th is pretty impressive from a team I thought may flirt with 100 losses. I've been trying to post for quite awhile but my work has been all day. And winning makes people happy, makes fans come out of the wood works. For 3 years I've been "the Royals fan" at the greenhouse with a few exceptions. Now their is another guy who sports a Royals hat and another guy told me "Go Royals" and even mentioned Hosmer. On top of that what a game last night. The Royals pitching did an amazing job of stranding Yankees. New York was playing like the Royals of the 00's and Kc just wouldn't give in. Best moment of the night though was Eric Hosmer's first MLB home run, win or loss it made the game memorable. But of course Eric wasn't done.(link)

But the side effect seems to be against Alex Gordon and Butler:

Last 5 Games PRE Hosmer: .238 AVG (5 for 21) 2 BB 4 K's 1 Home Run 5 RBI's 2 XBH
Last 5 Games POST Hosmer: .125 AVG (2 for 16) 1 BB 3 K's 1 XBH A Home Run the day Eric was called up 2 RBI's

Obviously Alex had started to cool down before that but I just thought it might be worth pointing out.
Also perhaps maybe Butler is (1 for 13) .077 AVG also being somewhat affected by Eric ?

Random Notes:

The Jays have released Scott Podsednik, whom I'm sure still relishes his time in Kansas City last year.

I'm sure you've already heard but former Royal Todd Wellemeyer has retired. I never once cared for Todd (Hellemeyer as he was known), cared for him even less when he pitched well for the Cardinals against us. But I wish him the best in whatever comes next for him.

The Royals are most likely looking for a college starting pitcher in the draft.
“They're not going to win if we don't find young, affordable pitching," Moore said.

Finally The Royals Blog your way to te K promotion is in full swing. I haven't heard anything yet so I'm kind of getting worried that I might get snubbed. It'd be a shame because I'm still the best Royals blogger in California, Mo, and one of the top mid level Royals blogs. So here's hoping for a call or email soon......

Yeah yeah yeah, whatever

2011-05-02T09:38:00.000-05:00

So it's not like I've not, been following the Royals in the last couple games. An ugly as can be 0-6 road trip, followed up by a 3-0 sweep of the crumbling Twins. And I'd wish I would have posted something on fellow straightedger C.J. Wilson's dominance over us, or Jarrod Dyson's mad speed skills and an 8 run inning, in the Royals favor ! Incredible stuff. But yet I was a jerk. I ignored my blog. To busy with work... and my new PS3. Of course I'm behind the times but still I got addicted to The Show and "The Road To The Show". So while the Royals were defeating the Twins? I was listening to Denny while my created self was tearing his MCL pitching for the Durham Bulls. Gotta love it. I'll try and get some real stuff posted later.

P.S. It's hard to blog on a phone !

42

2011-04-15T21:10:00.001-05:00

#42 pitching to batter #42 on first #42. Pop up caught by the Second Baseman #42.

#42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42

#42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42

#42  #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42

#42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42

#42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42

#42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 #42 

#42

#42 #42 #42 #42

Forty-Freakin-Two

Gosh this is awful, just. Another horrendous contraption by MLB.

Sure a couple guys is fine,and somewhat enjoyable.
I completely agree with honoring Jackie Robinson for all he did for baseball and for this country in general with what he did.
But every single player ?

Are you kidding me !
Look at the scoreboard and now I have no clue who the heck is pitching in any other game without looking it up. It's like something out of a Twilight Zone !

I mean seriously isn't there ANY thing else we can do to honor Jackie ?

(Broken record time)

I mean gosh, first destroying EA Sports MVP baseball, then Upper Deck, now this ?

Seriously look me in the eye when I talk about Topps being the exclusive trading card of MLB and try and convince me that it's not that bad..... There just might be blood brother.

Because baseball wants instant replays, monopolies and to spit in fans eyes. 

God Bless Bud Selig, he's such a a$$ 

And believe me if the Royals weren't winning this post wouldn't be readable !

Break An Arm !

2011-04-14T20:03:00.000-05:00

From the Kc Star:

Yost has no intention of following his predecessor, Trey Hillman, in banning such slides. Hillman issued an edict last year when Alex Gordon suffered a broken right thumb in a head-first slide in spring training.
"There are a lot of people hit by cars crossing the street, too," Yost said, "but I still allow my players to cross the street. People get hurt playing this game.
"If somebody gets hurt from playing the game hard, you put someone else in there until (the first guy) gets healthy. You can't stop playing the game hard.

"If we had our druthers, would we rather have them slide feet-first? Yes. But some guys slide head-first. It's a reaction. Guys play with their instincts. They go out and play, and you let them play."

And that is why I like Ned Yost, his aggresive play the game all out style. Heck if we start railroading opposing catchers at the plate and playing all out, "dirty" by some people's standards (but still extremely legal) I'll be in love with Ned. But at least this is a start, and darn good one at that.

A Few Other Things:

I absolutely hate FSN Kc's Root, root, root for the Royals commercial. Can't stand it at all.

If your not at a home game this season I strongly suggest listening to the games on the radio. With Denny not going on road trips anymore you can't stand to miss his iconic voice.

Also Alcides Escobar is the best Shortstop the Royals have had since I've been alive

And finally did anyone catch the article in the Star on Bryan Pena's fantasy dream of being a motivational radio talk show host ? I for one would be sure to listen as Bryan is such an upbeat and likable guy. But on a side note maybe he'd be interested in broadcasting Royal's games ? I mean the current crop is getting up there in age and he'd be an improvement over White or Goldberg (sorry) right?

The Chen Revival

2011-04-09T19:55:00.000-05:00

(Photo source: ESPN)

Remember last week ? Bruce Chen was being pounced on by everyone ? Except me !

"I believe Bruce Chen deserves another start without all the wind, if he still can't turn it around then it's time to pull him."

Well yeah after today's game we realize that without all the wind of last Sunday Bruce is an AL Cy Young contender with a flair for strikeouts. Sure I doubt if it lasts but let's be honest Bruce is exactly what the team needs right now. Not an ace but not a has - been - either. And besides he's always smiling !
Overall the Royals have been playing some pretty strange baseball. But you've got to like the bullpen. Tim Collins and Aaron Crow are both superb so far, and Robinson Tejeda continues to be a good set up man.
And BRYAN PENA ! Superstar catcher ! Reminds me of why I sponsored his Baseball Reference page in 2009.

Sorry for the messed up rambling it's been a long day.
But a 5-3 start is pretty darn awesome !

Chi Sox: Error, error, error, error, and we lose

2011-04-06T21:01:00.000-05:00

Breakdown.
Oh snap, you'd think a 5-0 lead would hold up but after Sunday and today, it's obviously not. But seriously a 3 run lead with Joakim Soria on the mound and only one out away from victory ? I thought that was pretty well set in stone.
And it's not that big of a deal, at all. I mean everyone has an off day here and now and sometimes luck just isn't on your side.
But I'm sorry.
First place in the divison is super great but when the opposing team commits four errors and you still find a way to lose, well something is wrong. Sure the run in the bottom of the nineth was superb but once O'Sullivan came in it was obvious the end had came. Fact is it never should have even been close.

Overall the opening home stand was one sloppy disaster after another for the Royals, and only by seer luck are we 4-2, six games in. The team has missed numerous opportunity's for a decisive and quick victory (the last three games) and has a pension for blowing 5-0 leads. I hate to sound like this, but is it to much ask for a team that can get ahead early and win without being sloppy? Oh well it's only loss number two and I know there will be many more that hurt worse, but still the Sox commited four errors and we lost, four errors to none....

The Good:

Jarrod Dyson: this kid can fly. If Yost keeps up the trend of pinch-running Dyson could become an excellent weapon. Plus the guy actually laid down a good sacrifice bunt. How many past Royals can say that ?
Jeff Francis: showing signs of returning to the ace he was in Colorado. And a huge help to my fantasy baseball team.
Alex Gordon: the hot streak continues at the plate. If he can keep it up maybe this will be the breakout year that everyone is relying on.
Billy Butler: Continues to rake !
Denny Matthews: There's something special in his voice this year, a fire that's just not been as hot the last few seasons but is definitely back in 2011.

The Bad:

Mike Aviles: 0-7 today dropping his season average to just .117 (3 for 26 on the season) and 3 errors
Sean O'Sullivan: Remember we gave up Callaspo for him, great potential he just can't put it together. (11.25 ERA)
FSN Kc: Broadcast's just seem to be lacking something this year.

The Meh:

Ned Yost: 14 stolen bases and a more aggressive then any recent Royals team past, but has a flair for leaving starters in to long and relying on the wrong relief pitchers. (O'Sullivan)

Opening Weekend (mostly Sunday)

2011-04-04T18:54:00.000-05:00

O'Sullivan < Callaspo

No need to hang your head Alex

Well well, the Royals are four games into the season and ~~already~~ in first place. This should really come as no surprise to anyone who has been a fan for an extended period. Seems like ever year we get out to a blazing hot start only to curtail by the end of April. And after missing opening day because of work, I was thinking that more then likely this season would be like 2010 and I'd continue my decline of interest in the ~~team~~ (sport). But then I watched the next two games on FSN Kc. (I also listened to Fridays game on the radio while watching, and I must say Denny's excitement in the calling of Kila's walk off homer made Ryan's dry call of the same play almost embarrassing.) And I was still a loser because I didn't post anything after those first three games. I really wanted to but I couldn't find time and all I's really say anyway was that I love Aaron Crow, and Jeff Francoeur was slowly growing on me (As a gamer), and that my family didn't seem to grasp why I didn't like Melky Cabrera. But then a friend gave my family 4 tickets to Sunday's game, my first Royals game since 2009.(21st overall)

Gettin 're done !

Sunday's game
Well it all started with meeting Royalman in the parking lot at the K, at which point he said the wind would help the Royals, but I said it'd hurt Chen but didn't get to go into a statistical breakdown on why, before he had to go. Once inside it was obvious that the New K rocks, it's the perfect baseball stadium. I walked around and toured the Hall of Fame before dad convinced me to buy a scorecard and score the game. (Not something I'd planed to do.) And because I was standing in a 10 minute line at the team store I missed opening pitch. It was an amazing ~~baseball game~~ time at the ballpark (all 4 hours and 46 minutes of it). I sat in section 210.

It was the usual casual Sunday crowd, of parents and children, lovers, and the rest.

"Slugger" Betemit

"Speedster" Dyson

Overall it was a pretty sloppy game for the Royals, no way the game should have went into extra innings. After we blew the 5-0 lead it was exhilarating to see a Royals team not roll over and die. But after scoring two in the ninth the game really should have been over then. When the Angels bring the infield in and also bring an outfielder in, (with one out) you really should be able to score the winning run. And although I didn't here him say it to start the bottom of the 9th I know Denny was saying lead off walk in the late innings of a close baseball game....
The aggressive base running, solid fielding and excellent relief pitching (exception being O'Sullivan) though is what made the game so enjoyable.
Now I'll just post some random thoughts:

Gotta make your own innings 12 and 13 !

Matt Trenor's home run was a know doubter, there was no way he was going to put the catching gear on again.
I believe Bruce Chen deserves another start without all the wind, if he still can't turn it around then it's time to pull him.
Tim Collins is a beast.
Jeremy Jeffress reminds me of Ramon Ramirez with more heat.
Jarrod Dyson is flat out fast
Billy Butler can flat out hit period.
13 innings can wreck havoc on your $2 Royals scorecard which for some reason has the Royals lineup at the top. What's with that ?
The team store was sold out of media guides. So I didn't buy a $30 hat...
Garth Brooks is still annoying as can be, "friends in low places" Seriously ? I want friends high up !
WWE superstar Sheamus urged us to cheer on the Royals in the 10th, bringing the Royals and WWE together.
Oh and the "Budweiser Thirsty Cam" is kind of disgusting in my personal opinion.

(And "Greinke" becomes Chen, why couldn't I think of something this cool ?)

End Of An Era

2011-03-25T17:22:00.000-05:00

I had an article all ready to go, a repeat of a rant I did last year but something else interfered.
Today the Royals signed Mike Sweeney to the ominous one day contract, after which he announced his retirement.(Obviously) It's swell that he was able to retire a Royal. But deep down I wonder how much those last couple of years with the A's, and Mariners/Phillies hurt his image in Kc.
Mike was (and still is) a awesome guy, a true champion both on the field and maybe even more so off. What he had to endure as Royals team captain, as the teams figurehead through some of the most horrid and downright hellish times is unbelievable. And not just the crap on the baseball field, but the belittling by ignorant drunkards with there shouts of "Sweeney Sucks".(Very original) In fact several times I almost got in a fight with such douche's. Mainly due to the fact that Mike was my sister's favorite baseball player, and those shouts really made her upset.
Sure Sweeney's back problems are well documented and the simple what if's are so many. But IMO had he been able to play at 100 percent between 03 - 07 things would certainly have been different for the Royals.
When Sweeney left in 2008 the man took out a full page add in the Kc Star thanking the fans.
Sweeney was one of a kind ballplayer and perhaps one of the last people to ever wear a "C" on their Royals uniform.
On many occasions I was able to call a Mike Sweeney home run before the pitch, he was one of those rare players that every now and then you could feel was about to do something and he'd never disappointed.

If I ever had any beef with Mike it'd be that I once sent him a baseball card in the mail and asked if he could please sign it for my sister a huge fan of his, so I could surprise her with it. Interestingly enough I got several autographs that summer by writing my favorite players, but Sweeney was not one of them. Now four years later my sister has grown up and really doesn't care about baseball anymore.

Certainly Mike is one of a kind and most likely a future Royals Hall Of Famer, but forever to me he'll be:

#29 Mike Sweeney .

I can't wait

2011-03-22T20:33:00.000-05:00

Seriously I can't wait for Opening Day. Sure spring training is great and all but I just have a hard time getting into meaningless games. And it might be weird to look at the starting rotation and feel anything good. I mean.....

Ace Luke Hochevar (Image from Ball Star)

#2 Jeff Francis (Image MLB . com)

#3 Kyle Davies (Image Ball Star)

#4 Bruce Chen (Image Fox Sports)

#5 Vin Mazzaro (Image Zimbio)

So with such a studly rotation it's no wonder that Royally Speaking says no to a 100 loss season. And rightfully so because I really don't see it either. See while the rotation might not be "the best in baseball" it's the other side that matters. And while Frenchy might not have a career reviving year, well perhaps maybe Melky will. And just maybe we'll stay competitive. But I've always been to optimistic in the past so I'm staying negative in 2011.

Oh well at least there is a light at the end of the dark tunnel. And after reading Joe Po's marvelous Sports Illustrated fiction on the future I have hope that maybe just maybe the said light isn't a train. But alas a competitive team ! But while the minors get ready to explode in the coming future it'll be up to the "Freak Five" and the daily nine to keep buying us time.

And I think they might just give us an unforgetable summer.

Links for a Tuesday on March 8th.

2011-03-08T16:42:00.000-06:00

Here's some links that you should check out. And maybe I'll get a real post up soon. But for now enjoy what the pros have to say:

I was asked a few questions on the out look of the Royals season by the blog Cardinal70 along with some other great Royals bloggers, if you want to read them click HERE.

After almost 2 years Royal Report Card is back from hiatus and you can check out the return post HERE.

Mostly from a Brewer view it's still a good read as today marks Zack Greinke's 10,000 day alive. HERE

PLEASE PLEASE VOTE in the Ray W Awards, I need at least ONE person to vote ! VOTE HERE

Royally Speaking scares us by mentioning the return of Jason Kendall HERE

Tangled Up In (Royal) Blue asks if this youth movement will be different then the past. Great Read. HERE

And as always a great post by Royalscentricity HERE

And like I said earlier I'll try and get a real post done soon.But seriously this stuff is way better then what I write.

Royals on Radio Etc

Royals Merch 5: Non Affiliated Handmade Merch

Royals Merch 5: Non Affiliated Handmade Merch

Well first off we have this lovely Royals flower hair piece that would lovely on just about everyone. I mean how could you not look great in it ? With this your face would look as Sunflower.

Yours for $6.99 by AlexaRayesCollection

Here we have another cute little thing, a logo magnet. Face it most of our fridges are either covered in a cupons and magnets of our insurance agents and such or your kids art work. So why not having something that is cozy yet suave.

Well you can for only $2.50 from AuntCCcreations

In keeping with the current trend we have an awesome hat for that little person in your life. Although the listing says you can get adult sizes made. It looks great but no word on how well it'll protect against a fastball to the head....

Yours for the mere price of $ 25.95 from thebabykeeper

Royals baseball, Winnie The Pooh, and your name.What is do you need in life ?

Yours for only $7 from TeamsandToons

$30 from TheArtofSports

____________________________________________________________

Okay I know what your thinking, usually these Royals Merch series I do have some sort of crazy thing at the end. And why should this be any different ?

So here you go guys............

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7CNDBT http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W259J57

2011 Ray W Nominees

(Part 1 and 2) http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7CNDBT http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W259J57

Attendence, and whtat Underground Music has to do with it

Repeat.

Two Cents whore

Farewell To Gibby and the Legendary Bob McClure

Blogin' Blase

7-19

Updating a broken Record.

Losing Streaks Are Like....

Win free Royals Tickets

Royals Merch 4: The Journey

EHH

FSN Kc: A Tim Collins Special

Tiny Tim

Catching up

Yeah yeah yeah, whatever

42

Break An Arm !

The Chen Revival

Chi Sox: Error, error, error, error, and we lose

Opening Weekend (mostly Sunday)

End Of An Era

I can't wait

Links for a Tuesday on March 8th.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7CNDBT
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W259J57

(Part 1 and 2)
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W7CNDBT
http://www.surveymonkey.com/s/W259J57